Funny how Arteta's words are twisted to try to make an issue about something that is not there.Relax.
That's not what he said.
Anonymous.
I agree he’s returned timidly.Are you deliberately trying to trigger me? He didn't do anything, all game. Just jogged back and forth and passed on responsibility. I was watching him closely after Forrest, he was hiding all game, again.
Ødegaard doesn't hide. He leads. Lokonga doesn't break a sweat, its like he's playing walking football at the park. I agree, at home he's had some decent games, but away from home, he hides. Its a personality thing, you can be confident, you can be great in training, but when it comes to the games, some players shrink, and i fear he's one of them.I agree he’s returned timidly.
I think you’re focusing too much on the last two games which have not provided the best circumstances for a young mf to go and express themesleves. He’s had very good games for us this season, he was excellent against Newcastle and I think he’s clearly got lots of ability. I find this odd because I think he has some of the traits you claim to see and like in Ødegaard.
Ødegaard doesn't hide. He leads. Lokonga doesn't break a sweat, its like he's playing walking football at the park. I agree, at home he's had some decent games, but away from home, he hides. Its a personality thing, you can be confident, you can be great in training, but when it comes to the games, some players shrink, and i fear he's one of them.
I didn't say he wasn't confident, he is, he shows up for interviews, he sounds like a confident guy, but when the referee blows the whistle at the start of the game, he shrinks, especially away from home. He doesn't make himself available for a pass, he doesn't engage when defending, and he never seems to break out of his jog.I don't really sense a lack of confidence from him. He kind of appears quite confident, just lackadaisical. It's more a style than anything. But agreed that he isn't so much commanding the midfield. He's not terrible, but not great. Still young.
Not a criticism but I feel like they put in more tackles than he did. Saka and Martinelli were exceptional defensively.One mistake in the first half aside, good comeback for him considering he played with martinelli and saka as his mid partners.
He relied on Xhaka, Partey and Elneny for way too long. Even by themselves we needed an upgrade.
Lokonga in the mud
CALM DOWN. We are SOLVING IT by buying a striker this window.He relied on Xhaka, Partey and Elneny for way too long. Even by themselves we needed an upgrade.
Of the shadow CMs who featured fairly regularly under Emery, he sold Willock, banished Guendouzi and Torreira, loaned AMN with only ONE player coming in - Lokonga.
This is just poor squad management.
In his defence we have had poor squad planning for over a decade. We always in this position in January because we have just about enough mentality while other clubs seem to have one extra player in case approachHe relied on Xhaka, Partey and Elneny for way too long. Even by themselves we needed an upgrade.
Of the shadow CMs who featured fairly regularly under Emery, he sold Willock, banished Guendouzi and Torreira, loaned AMN with only ONE player coming in - Lokonga.
This is just poor squad management.
If a 22 yo mf who’s brand new to the league and had a few months off is able to deliver at home don’t you think it’s worth giving him the chance to show his stuff more consistently? I’d get it if you thought he fundamentally lacks the tools but I don’t get being so fatalistic about something that’s more to do with confidence and stature at the club.Ødegaard doesn't hide. He leads. Lokonga doesn't break a sweat, its like he's playing walking football at the park. I agree, at home he's had some decent games, but away from home, he hides. Its a personality thing, you can be confident, you can be great in training, but when it comes to the games, some players shrink, and i fear he's one of them.
Forgot about Ceballos.He relied on Xhaka, Partey and Elneny for way too long. Even by themselves we needed an upgrade.
Of the shadow CMs who featured fairly regularly under Emery, he sold Willock, banished Guendouzi and Torreira, loaned AMN with only ONE player coming in - Lokonga.
This is just poor squad management.
I didn't say he wasn't confident, he is, he shows up for interviews, he sounds like a confident guy, but when the referee blows the whistle at the start of the game, he shrinks, especially away from home. He doesn't make himself available for a pass, he doesn't engage when defending, and he never seems to break out of his jog.